What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a form of myofascial therapy. It focuses on releasing areas of tension within the fascia (sometimes referred to as fascia release). Fascia is a flexible, web-like tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, joints, and other structures in the body.
When fascia becomes restricted, sensations are not always felt where the tension originates. Discomfort may spread or appear in other areas, which can make it difficult to identify the underlying cause. Over time, this restriction can change how someone moves. This may cause tightness in other areas, too.
Myofascial release uses gentle, steady techniques to address these restrictions. This helps support easier and more comfortable movement.
How does myofascial release work?
Myofascial release helps by gently pressing on tight spots in the connective tissue around your muscles. A myofascial release therapist uses gentle movements. They take their time with tight, painful, or restricted areas. This approach helps the tissue soften gradually.
This type of fascia release takes a slower approach. It helps find where tension is held and shows how it affects movement in your body. As your fascia connects many different parts of the body, working in one area can sometimes help others to feel more comfortable or mobile. A myofascial release therapist tailors treatment to your needs and adjusts pressure during the session based on your body's reactions.
What can myofascial release help with?
People try myofascial release therapy for various reasons. Most commonly, people experiencing ongoing tension or restricted movement try it. Other discomfort or pain that people considering myofascial release may have includes:
- persistent tightness of muscles
- feeling stiff or experiencing reduced flexibility
- discomfort from poor posture or repetitive movements
- tension caused by stress
- aches and pains which you may struggle to pinpoint the source
Your myofascial tissue may feel particularly tight in certain areas. Most commonly, this can include your arms, calves, feet, head, hips, jaw, lower back, neck, quads, or shoulders.
A 2024 study looked at myofascial release for adults with chronic neck pain. It found that this treatment had a modest effect on reducing pain. The study suggested more research is needed. A further 2024 study on myofascial release therapy found it helpful for neurological disorders. It may ease symptoms like muscle spasms, motor dysfunction, and balance issues, with few side effects.
Many people use myofascial release with other therapies. It can help enhance healing, improve mobility, tackle underlying issues, and reduce pain. You may consider combining it with other therapies such as physical therapy, deep tissue massage, acupuncture, or exercise therapy. If you're using another type of therapy for pain or discomfort, talk to your therapist. They can help you understand if myofascial release might be a good addition.
Is myofascial release suitable for everyone?
Myofascial release can help many people and is generally considered to have few side effects. However, if you have experienced a recent injury or have certain health conditions, you may need to first speak with your GP and a qualified myofascial release practitioner to find out if it would be suitable for you.
Those with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other deep vein issues are not recommended to try myofascial release. If you have tumours, fractures or broken bones, osteoporosis, a skin infection, or an open wound, myofascial release may not be suitable.
Speaking with your GP and ensuring you inform your therapist about your full health history and any medications you may be taking is advised, as this can help them to create a fuller picture of what might work best for your individual needs.
What are the side effects of myofascial release?
For most people, myofascial release is gentle, but individual experiences can vary. You may notice some temporary side effects following a session as your body responds. This may include mild soreness or tenderness, feelings of tiredness or heaviness, and more awareness of some body areas. These feelings shouldn’t last long. If you have any concerns or worries, speak with your therapist. They will talk through any worries and adapt sessions accordingly.
What to expect from a session
Myofascial release sessions typically begin with talking about how you are feeling and what you hope to gain from treatment. This helps your therapist see where you feel tense or uncomfortable, so they can adjust your session.
Carried out at a slow and steady pace, myofascial release is a hands-on treatment. Pressure is adapted throughout your session based on your comfort and how your body reacts. Typically, sessions are calm and unhurried, as your myofascial release therapist aims to help your body relax.
After a session, you might feel a little sore or stretched, but this should go away quickly, leaving you feeling looser than you did before. Sessions can vary in length.
While myofascial release therapy can be uncomfortable or a little painful, it shouldn’t be exceedingly painful. There should not be any persistent sharp or shooting pains.
Finding a qualified, experienced myofascial release therapist
Choosing the right professional for you is a personal decision, and it can be helpful to take the time to find someone you feel comfortable with. Many therapists have different backgrounds and experiences, and may integrate myofascial release into a broader therapeutic approach.
Living with ongoing tension or discomfort can be frustrating, especially if you struggle to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. Myofascial release offers a gentle, hands-on approach. An experienced, qualified myofascial release practitioner may be able to help support you in easing pain and improving movement.
When looking for a myofascial release professional, check their training and experience. Also, consider their professional affiliations and ask about how they work. Reading more about them through their profiles or articles, and gaining a better understanding of what sessions with them may involve, can help you to decide whether myofascial release could be a good fit for you.
